Replacement pickup for '63 Precision

Looking for new split pickup for a '63 Precision... in the early 80s the original pickup was replaced with a Schaller, don't like the sound much and the windings have possible deteriorated due to slightly damp storage before I bought the bass (it doesn't sound like it did 5 years ago - I used to borrow the guitar before I bought it). Can't decide between the Fender Original with its rather varied reviews or the SD Quarter Pounder... I like a round rather than scooped sound, any suggestions? Seems to be some opinion that the Fender Originals can be tuned to your liking by swapping capacitor values...

ficelles

 

When you say round, I think you mean midrange-y, because that's the opposite of "scooped" which means no mids. I suggest original Fenders, because they have mids (not to mention treble) in spades.

 

I went with the Original. Bought two more sets since then (for other basses).

 

I wouldn't use either if you don't like scooped sounds. I'd get an EMG Geezer Butler P, or maybe a Duncan SPB-1. The Geezer pushes mids just a little bit more forward than the SPB-1, but either are a more middy sounding pickup than your choices.

 

What about a custom wound job? Plenty of people out there who do some exceptional pickups!

 

Not just prominent mids (obviously you tend to get that from a Precision anyway) but also not overly bright... a round sound I would think of as full low end and mids but with a soft high end. Most reviews of the Fender Original mention the brightness of the pickup which is making me think twice... the SD SPB-1 looks like it might be the one for me, shame you can't try them out and send them back if you don't like them!

ficelles

 

Have you checked out the Aguilar AG 4P-60? It's Aguilar's vintage P pickup, it's based off the pickups in Dave Boonshoft's 63 and 64 P Basses I do believe!

 

Depending on the flavor of vintage you want, I would research Dimarzio Area P, lollar P, SD antiquity II, and Aguilar. All great pickups. If price is an issue start with the Area P. It will do exactly what you want. If you want a big beefy tone, the Fender P 63 true vintage is good too.

Your challenge is not finding a pickup but deciding between the different options!

 

I really like the Seymour Duncan SPB-1 Vintage, and the Dimarzio DP250 Area P.

I haven't tried the EMG Geezer Butler P, but it sounds great on the clips from JimmyM!

 

Thanks, Ace!

 

Actually, I believe you can. Duncan had a "return it if you don't like it" policy at one time (though I think maybe you have to exchange it for another of their models?). You might want to look into that.

 

Duncan still does. Dogghouse from SD recently told someone that on here. Also, EMG's usually don't require soldering, so it may be possible to return them as well.

 

Suggestions already mentioned above are good choices and you won't go wrong with any of them. I have Fender Original ('62) paired with .068uf capacitor in 2 of my P's. Good lows and mids, no excessive clanky highs. Has good definition and dynamic response to my touch. i
I like 'em.